Parkers Battery

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Parker's Battery is a historic site located in Chesterfield County, Virginia.


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Summary

It played a crucial role in the American Civil War, specifically during the Siege of Petersburg. Visitors can tour the site and learn about the history of the battery and the battle.

One of the main reasons to visit Parker's Battery is its historical significance. The site is well-preserved, and visitors can see the original earthworks and cannon emplacements. The site also features interpretive signs and exhibits that provide insight into the battle and the soldiers who fought there.

Some specific points of interest to see include the artillery position, the trenches, and the soldier's quarters. Visitors can also explore the nearby Fort Clifton, which was a Union fortification during the Siege of Petersburg.

Interesting facts about the area include the fact that the battery was named after its commander, Lieutenant William W. Parker, who is said to have been killed by a sharpshooter while standing on the battery's parapet. Additionally, the battery was part of a larger network of fortifications that stretched for miles around Petersburg.

The best time of year to visit Parker's Battery is in the spring or fall when the weather is mild. The site is open year-round, but the summer months can be hot and humid. Visitors should also check the park's website for hours of operation and any special events or activities.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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